The Houthis reveal statistics on navigation traffic in Bab al-Mandab and the escalation of tensions with Saudi Arabia

The Houthi rebels in Yemen revealed statistics showing the number of ships that crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the southern Red Sea in the northern and southern directions, during the period from 11 to 21 September 2026.

The Houthi version of Saba News Agency, quoting statistics issued by the Ministry of Transport in the Iranian-backed Houthi government, said that "the total maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait amounted to 408 commercial ships during the period from September 11 to 21."

The ministry explained in a statement that "transit movement in the Bab al-Mandab Strait took place smoothly and safely for all international commercial ships, with the exception of Saudi ships."

The ministry's statement indicated that "during the past 10 days, 196 ships crossed Bab al-Mandab towards the north, and 212 ships towards the south," explaining, "The average number of ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait daily is more than 40 commercial ships, cargo containers, etc."

The ministry stated that the statistics indicate that there was an increase in the number of ships that crossed the strait after the Houthis announced control over the western coast districts on September 10, compared to the ten days that preceded it, that is, during the period from September 1 - 10, during which the number of ships crossing the strait reached 393 ships, of which 199 ships crossed the strait towards the north, and 194 towards the south, according to what the “Saba” agency reported.

The Ministry confirmed that international navigation and trade movement through the vital corridor in Bab al-Mandab "is proceeding normally and safely."

The Houthi group recently said that it carried out attacks against “sensitive targets” in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in addition to targeting the Aramco company in the coastal city of Yanbu on the Red Sea, west of the Kingdom.

The rapid advance of the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and their attacks on Saudi Arabia have made the response options available to the Gulf Kingdom few, and all of them involve high costs.

Experts believe that the main message coming from the Kingdom is that Riyadh does not want an all-out war. However, the Houthis’ bold and escalating behavior may nonetheless drag the Gulf state into a broader conflict, after the Houthis announced the imposition of a “ban on Saudi oil ships.”